GMorellen

About Me:

Writer of No Broken Bones, a non-fiction account of how an egotistical agency manager and a manipulative tribal agent placed our granddaughter in an abusive home. I hope to become more active in efforts to make changes. Visit my Facebook page.

I'd like to take this opportunity to suggest further reading on this topic. Bob Welch gave us an eye-opening story about the first nurses in an overseas war: American Nightingale: The Story of Frances Slanger, Forgotten Heroine of Normandy by Bob Welch (May 31, 2005). Sorry to say - it's not a new story.

Within 5 miles of Hwy. 101, and a 5-mile N to S hike, you can experience the NW coast at its best. Tour Cape Blanco lighthouse, listed on the National Register of Historic Places is Oregon's most westerly, oldest and highest above the sea. From there, hike any of several loops through the woods with views of the Pacific and Sixes River. Or drive north to historic Cape Blanco airport and hike (or bike) west to gorgeous Blacklock Point, then north through old growth woods to Floras Lake. There will undoubtedly be kite-boarders & wind-surfers enjoying this secluded, wild beauty. You can sit and watch, or disappear over the foredune to walk an empty beach, and loop to the nearby county park. If you planned ahead, a ride will be there for you. If not, it's an easy hike back, and I guarantee you'll see something you didn't the first time.

These 1-size-fits-all policies scare me. Sometimes placement with the "family" isn't in the child's best interest. And there are still corrupt, egotistical bureaucrats in position of power in DHS --- climbing and dollar signs define "good management" in too many cases.
You may be interested in a discussion of such cases at the Siuslaw Public Library Oct. 9 at 2:00. I'll read an excerpt from No Broken Bones, then talk to people who relate to my story and have one of their own. It's always interesting. Other events I've offered served to promote the idea that this agency needs to take individual care with each child, each case.

I'm sorry I missed these posts earlier. I had my teenage granddaughter here for our summer visitation, and it was 5 weeks of pain, anger, and frustration. Of the many families suffering effects of DHS' mismanagement, we happen to be a family that wished they HAD taken this child away from her "family," people who are mentally unstable and abusive. Because of blood ties and tribal interference, we had no chance. DHS made enemies out of us and we were in court many times to get any contact at all.
I speak with Human Services students at LCC for their Family Intervention courses and we brainstorm the issues. I believe there will soon be a new generation to make needed changes.